What Is The Best Dog Breed For Me? Are you considering bringing a dog into your home? Get some help with this important decision. It's simple: Tell us what you like, and we'll give you a list of dog breeds, in ranked order, that best match your preferences. This selector is an updated version of our original dog breed selector which we created in 1999. We’ve included new questions, and we’ve added more breeds plus popular cross breeds. We’d like to hear what you think of this latest version: please post your comments on this page.

5. GROOMING DOGS Easy and low-maintenance
High-maintenance and stylish
Not a consideration

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6. DROOLING DOGSI want to avoid those dogs that slobber.

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7. SHEDDING DOGSI would like a dog that sheds minimally, perhaps not at all.

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8. ALLERGIC TO DOGS

Note: There are no genuinely hypoallergenic dog breeds. All dogs have dander which is the cause of allergies in humans.

I would like a dog rated as more easily tolerated by allergy sufferers.

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9. ACTIVITY LEVEL

What energy level is more appropriate for your lifestyle? Are you looking for a pal to join you on walks? Maybe you'd like a TV watching buddy. Regardless of the amount of activity, dogs thrive on interaction with humans. The Humane Society of the United States advises that "An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive."

A mellow dog that matches our lower activity level preferred
Energetic dogs for our active family preferred
Not a consideration

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10. DOGS THAT LOVE WATER
I would like a dog that enjoys swimming.

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11. HUNTING DOGS

Cave paintings and other archeological evidence prove that humans and dogs have been hunting partners for at least 20,000 years. Dogs have been used for eons to chase down, flush and fetch quarry.

I would like a dog that enjoys hunting gamebirds with me.
I would like a dog that enjoys hunting animals with me.

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12. RUNNING COMPANIONSI would like a dog that enjoys accompanying me as I jog.

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13. DOGS THAT DON'T SMELL

Pet odor is most often caused by bacteria and yeast metabolizing secretions, especially skin oils. Places where skin is moist and dark–mouth, ears, skin folds, and under the tail—have the highest concentration of yeast and bacteria and the strongest smell.

I would like a dog that is unlikely to have a doggy odor.

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14. SMART DOGS, TRAINABLE DOGS

"Intelligence does not necessarily equate to trainability," notes Dr. Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia. "Often intelligent dogs can think of so many more challenges to authority or variations on response to a command."

Intelligent dogs preferred.
Easily trained dogs preferred.

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15. CAN'T WE JUST ALL GET ALONG? I want a dog that is pet tolerant. (Intolerant breeds have the potential to injure or even kill other pets.)
I want a dog that is stranger tolerant. This is an important consideration if people are frequently visiting or passing by.

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16. AGE APPROPRIATE

Would you like a dog that is good with children? Some breeds are inappropriate because they might hurt children, others are inappropriate because children might hurt them. Some breeds have the potential to knock over senior citizens.

A dog that is good with kids 3 years and under preferred.
A dog that is good with kids 4 years and over preferred.
A dog that is good with elderly folks preferred.

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17. WEATHER EXTREMES

Dogs should be protected from weather extremes. In fact, many places have ordinances with language like this: "It is unlawful to leave any dog outside and unattended for longer than a half hour if the temperature falls below 32 degrees or rises above 90 degrees". However, some dogs thrive in the hot or cold.

I would like a dog that can handle cold weather.
I would like a dog that can handle hot weather.
Not a consideration

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18. SOCIAL OR INDEPENDENT

Some breeds are by nature more social and affectionate than others. According to Dr. Stanley Coren, independent dogs are less likely to be despondent if left alone. Considering this description and the level of interaction you'll be able to provide, would you prefer a dog breed that is social and friendly, or one that is more independent?

Social
Independent
Not a consideration

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19. QUIET DOG & WATCH DOGS I'd prefer a dog breed that is noted as quiet.
I'd prefer a dog breed that is likely to warn me of approaching intruders (and any neighbors or friends who stop by).
Not a consideration

The lifespan of your dog can vary by a few years depending upon the breed. The average lifespan of a dog is about 12 years. As a rule of thumb, small dogs outlive large dogs.

I prefer a breed that has a longer than average lifespan.

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22. POPULARITY vs. RARITY

Do you prefer your dog be a common breed or do you prefer a dog that is out of the ordinary? Popularity affects availability. An unusual dog can be a conversation starter.

Popular
Unusual
Not a consideration

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23. SMALL SPACES

Many large dogs and especially high energy dogs probably won't be happy if cooped up in a small space. You won't be happy either. Unless you can provide your pooch with plenty of daily outdoor time and exercise, consider the size of the home you can provide when determining dog breeds.

My dog will be living in an apartment or other small space.

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24. LAP DOGSYes, a dog that would enjoy sitting on my lap preferred.

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25. FIRST TIME OWNERSA good choice for the novice dog owner preferred.